Should I avoid public transport when there is a swine flu outbreak?

It depends on the situation. Generally speaking, you don’t need to stop your daily routine and travel by public transport just because you're worried about swine flu (H1N1). However, if there is an outbreak, doctors are likely to advise pregnant women to avoid crowded places.

It is true that your immune system is slightly lowered during pregnancy. This may make you more prone to catching infections as compared to other people, and it can make flu and other infections more severe when they do take hold. The risk is thought to be greatest in the third trimester of pregnancy.

However, your immune system is still working. Most doctors think that the risk you or your baby face if you catch swine flu is not high enough to justify changing your normal daily activities. Even so, your doctor will assess the situation and take the best decision for you and your baby.

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) recommends the flu vaccination for all pregnant women from 26 weeks of pregnancy. If there is an outbreak, your doctor may decide to give the vaccine much earlier. The vaccine is safe for you and your baby. Having the flu vaccine will help to protect you and your baby from swine flu and other strains of flu.

You can also try the following tips that will reduce your risk of catching swine flu:

Follow good hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most important measure for reducing the risk of transmitting infectious organism from one person to other.

Washing your hands thoroughly should take about 20 seconds. Apply regular bar soap or liquid soap to your wet hands. Rub both your hands against each other to form a soapy base. Then rinse off with lots of water and dry your hands with a clean paper towel.

If you do not have soap and water, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes, antiseptic gel or hand sanitisers.

Always wash your hands:

when you come in contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated surfaces

before and after eating or drinking anything, especially when you're outside and on the go

Long term illnesses such as asthma or diabetes also make you vulnerable to flu. So, if you have been ill recently, try to go to work by your personal car as a temporary measure.

If you are still worried, you could talk to your employer and see if your work hours can be altered a bit so you can steer clear of the rush hour. You can also check if your office provides the option for working from home.

Many choose to use a preventative mask when they are out and about or in crowded areas. However, it's best to check with your doctor so she can recommend the right one for you. Keep in mind that incorrect use of masks, or continuous use of a disposable mask for longer than 6 hours, or repeated use of the same mask may actually increase the risk of infection further.

In the event of an outbreak, the Government of India will probably issue emergency helpline numbers and guidelines. However, under normal circumstances, your doctor can help with any information or treatment you seek.

In the meantime, you can check the following websites to find out more about swine flu:

MHFW. 2015. Seasonal Influenza A (H1N1). Guidelines on categorization of Seasonal Influenza A H1N1 cases during screening for home isolation, testing, treatment and hospitalization. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

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